Friday, April 27, 2012

You Might be an Historical Fiction Writer if....

The other day, I was writing a scene for my new historical romance series. My fingers flew across the keyboard as I ventured back to the 1860s…

Glancing from side to side looking for a place to hide, she willed her feet to move. Would this be how it would all end for her – a moment’s decision sealing her destiny?…

Of all the genres I enjoy writing, historical romance is my favorite. However, there are some days when it’s clear to me that I’ve spent a bit too much time in the days before modern technology.

If you write historical fiction, you know exactly what I mean. So, just for fun, I’ve listed six surefire ways to know that you’re a writer of historical fiction…

1. You’re getting ready for a family outing and you ask your husband to please hitch up the wagon instead of start the car.

2. Speaking of husbands, although your husband’s name is Lon, you find yourself calling him Zach, Jonah, or Nate because you’ve spent so much time with your male protagonists…

Zach Sawyer in McKenzie, book #1 in Penny's Montana Skies Historical Romance Series

3. You say “I reckon” far too often.

4. Your kids are beginning to call you “Ma.”

5. You reach for a bonnet instead of a baseball cap to cover a bad hair day.

6. Your family doesn’t let you visit museums anymore because they know that when you visit, you become so engrossed in the historical photos that you never want to leave. They clearly don’t understand that gazing for a mere few hours at antiques and old photographs gives you 10-years-worth of inspiration!

So there you have it…six surefire ways to know you might be an historical fiction author. Now back to the 1860s I go!

Penny Zeller is the author of several books and numerous magazine articles. She is also the author of the blog "A Day in the Life of a Wife, Mom, and Author" www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com where she also provides weekly doses of inspiration and humor, along with movie reviews from a Christian worldview, and interviews with some of her favorite author friends.

Penny is an active volunteer in her community, devoting her time to assisting and nurturing women and children into a closer relationship with Christ. Her passion is to use the gift of the written word that God has given her to glorify Him and to benefit His kingdom.

Among other books, Penny is the author of McKenzie, Kaydie, and Hailee in her Montana Skies Historical Romance Series and 77 Ways Your Family Can Make a Difference: Ideas and Activities for Serving Others.

When she's not writing, Penny enjoys spending time with her family and camping, hiking, canoeing, and playing volleyball.

About Fliterary

Fliterary was birthed over steaming latte's in a coffee shop. Writers discussed the need for playtime, rest and renewal. Perhaps a playground and recess for authors and readers to come, relax, plop down in the recliner, and receive encouragement, a laugh, and maybe something to restart weary brains.

Jesus reminds us His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Even when life is hard, we have a Savior willing and ready to shoulder the load. However, it’s so easy to take on the weight of the world’s problems. Even writers get preoccupied with deadlines, word count, and edits. We forget to enjoy the journey.